PLANTSTRONG Podcast

Dr. Monica Aggarwal, an associate adjunct professor and preventive cardiologist, discusses her groundbreaking study on oil consumption in plant-based diets. She reveals that an oil-free diet leads to better heart health outcomes than those including extra virgin olive oil. The conversation challenges long-standing beliefs about olive oil’s benefits, highlights the importance of whole foods, and addresses the need for better nutrition education in cardiology. Dr. Aggarwal also shares insights into the complexities of nutrition research and the roles of dietary fats.

Dr. Kristi Funk is a renowned breast cancer surgeon and plant-based advocate, and Chrissy Roth is a physical therapist who shares her passion for healthy cooking. They discuss how a plant-based diet can lower breast cancer risks and the healing properties of soy. Their cooking session includes delicious tofu ricotta and veggie lasagna, emphasizing the importance of sneaking veggies into meals for better health. They highlight the impact of alcohol on health and celebrate the joy of communal cooking as a way to foster connections.

Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a leading breast cancer and lifestyle medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic, discusses the power of personalized lifestyle medicine for breast cancer patients. She emphasizes whole food plant-based diets and the importance of key supplements like Vitamins D and B12. The role of social connections in recovery is highlighted, along with insights on managing stress and the impact of herbs like turmeric and ginger. Dr. Mussallem also addresses the risks of excess alcohol and explores how spirituality can enhance resilience during treatment.

Rip Esselstyn continues his special series for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Dr. Amy Comander, a leading expert in breast oncology and lifestyle medicine at Massachusetts General Cancer Center. Together, they delve into how breast cancer survivors can reclaim their health and thrive after a diagnosis through lifestyle changes and holistic wellness practices.Dr. Comander introduces her innovative 12-week program, "Paving the Path to Wellness," which supports breast cancer survivors in their recovery by focusing on the whole person-body, mind, and spirit- with the goal to empower individuals to live healthier lives with a sense of purpose.The episode also highlights the growing concern of younger individuals being diagnosed with breast cancer and the importance of preventive lifestyle measures. Dr. Comander emphasizes the powerful role of a whole food, plant-based diet in reducing cancer risk and improving overall health, providing practical tips for patients to incorporate more plant-based options into their meals.Exercise, too, plays a critical role in recovery, and she discusses how it can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Dr. Comander also addresses the lack of confidence many healthcare providers have in guiding patients toward effective exercise routines, identifying an area for improvement in oncology care.The conversation also explores the importance of sleep, stress management, and social support, with Dr. Comander sharing heartwarming stories of patients finding community and healing through her program. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of lifestyle medicine and cancer recovery, offering valuable insights and hope for breast cancer survivors.Watch the Episode on YouTubeEpisode WebpageSPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming Events:Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyUse Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Leave Us a Voicemail QuestionLeave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a breast cancer and lifestyle medicine expert from the Mayo Clinic, discusses groundbreaking research on plant-based nutrition's role in cancer prevention and recovery. She highlights the alarming rise of breast cancer among younger individuals and underscores the importance of lifestyle modifications. The benefits of soy for breast cancer survivors take center stage, along with empowering dietary choices. Dr. Mussallem inspires patients to focus on food as a means to improve health outcomes and enhance recovery.

Actress Toks Olagundoye shares her remarkable journey as a breast cancer survivor while navigating the entertainment industry. Olagundoye, known for her roles in shows like 'Veep,' 'Castle' and the newly rebooted 'Frasier', opens up about her diagnosis and the critical role that diet and lifestyle have played in her health, emphasizing that she's dairy free and hasn't eaten a mammal in over 30 years. The discussion also touches on the emotional impact of cancer, not just on the patient but also on their loved ones, particularly how her husband, friends, and co-workers stepped up to assist in her needs. Her story is a testament to resilience, reminding listeners that while cancer can be a daunting adversary, it also presents opportunities for personal growth and deeper connections with those around us. The episode concludes with a powerful message about the significance of laughter and joy in the healing process, encapsulated in Alagundoye's wise words, "If laughter is medicine, then I'm heavily medicated."Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeSPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming Events:Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyUse Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Leave Us a Voicemail QuestionLeave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

How many of us try to avoid pain at all costs? When life throws us challenges—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a job crisis, or health struggles—it’s easy to shut down or numb out with distractions like food, Netflix, or social media.In my conversation with New York Times bestselling author Kris Carr, we talk about how avoiding pain can harm both our mental and physical health. In her new book, I’m Not a Mourning Person: Braving Loss, Grief, and the Big Messy Emotions That Happen When Life Falls Apart, Kris shares how she faced her own struggles—losing her father, a tough business period, and her 20-year cancer diagnosis—all during the pandemic.Kris’ story is a powerful reminder that embracing grief and hardship can lead to profound growth and transformation.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTube

Today, we invite you to meet Shayda Soleymani and Gustavo Tolosa. These two friends are from vastly different cultures - Iran and Argentina - but what they have in common is this:  a shared love of their home country’s culture, food, and traditions.They also share something else in common – successful health and weight loss journeys thanks to the power of a whole foods, plant-based diet. Shayda shares her Iranian culinary heritage and how she adapted traditional recipes, while Gustavo discusses his Argentine background and struggles with weight and mental health before finding whole food, plant-based nutrition.  Together, they want to help you get your health back without sacrificing who you are or what you love with their book Live Your Healthiest Life, featuring over 135 SOS-free recipes (salt, oil, and sugar-free).  We know that family culture and tradition plays a HUGE role in our lives, and you don’t have to give that up in order to live your healthiest life. Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeOrder Live Your Healthiest Life and receive the BONUS free recipes by emailing your receipt of purchase to: LYHLBonus@yahoo.comSPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming Events:Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyUse Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Leave Us a Voicemail QuestionLeave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Kiki Nelson first appeared on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast on episode 200, but she is back with a new book, Plantifully Simple: 100 Plant-Based Recipes and Meal Plans for Health and Weight-Loss.This book is a treasure trove of 100 plant-based recipes and meal plans designed for health and weight loss, making meals deliciously simple and accessible. Plantifully Simple not only provides recipes, but also practical guidance on meal planning for weight loss. She discusses her plate-building technique, which focuses on filling your plate with 50% non-starchy vegetables and 50% starches, allowing for abundant, calorie-dense meals that promote satiety without the guilt. Kiki explains how this approach helped her lose over 70 pounds and overcome weight loss plateaus by developing a better understanding of calorie density. Her goal is to help listeners discover that they can eat plentifully while also reaching their health aspirations.And, as a bonus, Kiki whips up her simple chickpea omelets and breakfast taco recipes noting that they are not only easy to prepare but also adaptable for various meals throughout the week! Kiki’s incredible journey and the insightful strategies she offers serve as a reminder that being PLANTSTRONG is not just about what you eat, but how you think and approach your health. Her book, Plantifully Simple is a valuable resource for anyone looking to simplify their cooking and nourish their bodies. Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTubeSPECIAL Food Promo for Podcast Listeners Only!Use code: podcast10 to receive 10% off food orders at plantstrong.com Upcoming Events:Join us for our 2025 Plantstrong Retreat in Black Mountain, NC - Nov 9-14, 2025: https://plantstrong.com/pages/black-mountain-retreat Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyUse Code: KALE20 for $20 off Annual Subscription at https://home.mealplanner.plantstrong.com/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Leave Us a Voicemail QuestionLeave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/plantstrong Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrongfoods.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Dr. Kim Scheuer is a dynamic plant-based telehealth physician and a passionate advocate for lifestyle medicine. Affectionately known as "Dr. Kale" by her patients, she shares her remarkable journey from a traditional family physician to embracing a plant-based lifestyle after navigating her own health challenges and witnessing the impact of nutrition on diseases.In 2011, Dr. Kim Scheuer was a burned out family physician caught in the same grind of many physicians – long hours, diminishing patient care, and running on the hamster wheel of the “healthcare” system. It was also around this time that Kim realized she was just one-year shy of the age her mother was when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Determined not to walk this path, she started doing her research and what she found both astonished and angered her. Of course, she found The China Study, Forks over Knives, and other resources, but how had she not learned any of this information in medical school??! How was she not familiar with the work of Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Fuhrman, Dr. McDougall, or Dr. Esselstyn?It didn’t take long for this self-proclaimed “Milky Way vegetarian” and food addict to radically overhaul her own lifestyle and, ultimately, her medical practice. Today, she’s a plant-based telehealth physician with Love.Life Telehealth and she’s also board certified in Lifestyle Medicine. She works with patients in 25 states with general health and wellness, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, cholesterol control, cancer prevention and food addiction. Today, you’ll hear about her very personal journey, her passion for growing her own food, her connection to nature and her very personal “why” she needed to be plantstrong.Episode WebpageWatch the Episode on YouTube